Human and Abilities

To me, good and effective teaching involves many different concepts. A good teacher is able to identify with their students, which makes students feel comfortable. Good teachers understand that not all students come from the same background and this may affect how students act or their involvement in school. This brings me to my next point, which is that good teachers get their students involved. They are able to use technology or different ways of teaching to peak their students interest and increase participation. Good teachers also create useful lesson plans. Whether using backward design or another method, good teachers create plans that help students learn the objectives for the unit. Lastly, good teachers encourage their students and help them grow as learners and as people. Since we first talked about what makes a good teacher, I have expanded upon my definition. I learned that it is not just one thing that qualifies a person to be a good teacher. Simply being intelligent is not enough. There are many different qualities that make a person a good teacher and the more a person has the better of a teacher they will be.

In regards to the Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure, this course has definitely prepared me for these standards. Specifically, I understand how children grow physically and emotionally. I know that there are different stages of development and not all children grow the same. Also, I understand that children learn differently and that one way of teaching will not fit all of my patients. I also know how to plan a lesson, which in speech pathology is useful because I could create a plan with objectives for my patients to reach. I have learned how to test for progress because I did that when we created a lesson for the class. Lastly, I learned how to connect with other individuals and future teachers/SLPs because I had to work with different classmates throughout the semester! Overall, the most significant thing I learned this semester is that nothing is cut and dry, especially not people. People have many layers, emotions and circumstances that shape how they are. When working with children, it is my job to understand why they are the way they are. Then, I can help them be the best version of themselves.

For the job market, I will prepare my online identity by first cleaning up what I have posted. I have had social media since I was young so there are things I have posted that may not appeal to companies looking to hire me. Also, I will possibly continue my blog. However, if I do this it would still be a professional/school oriented blog. I will document things I am doing and learning in my classes as well as in my clinicals. This will show companies the knowledge and experience I have developed from school.